How do scientists determine the population of migrating birds?

Answer 1

Scientists can attach trackers to the animal, by means of a metal tag or a metal chip somewhere in the animal's body. They can also use a collar, but this would be unreasonable for birds, as they fly everywhere. there are two types of tracking, radio and satellite. Radio tracking involves a radio transmitter,in the form of a tracking device,and a VHF receiver which picks up the radio waves the transmitter sends out. the scientists can then use these waves to see where exactly the animal is. The second type of tracking is satellite, which involves a receiver, usually on the satellite and then a tracking device, which is what the animal wears. The tracking device sends out electrical signals that are then picked up by the satellite and sent down to a database in a computer, where the information and location of the animal can be accessed.Satellites have the advantage over radios, as the radio technology is outdated and limited as far as tracking goes. Satellites can also tell the temperature of the animal, which helps if the animal is dead, as it will go cold. The tracking devices can allow scientists to visit the temporary habitat of the animal to count the new numbers or tag more. Then, next year, the scientists can visit again and see how much the population has increased by. Scientist from around the country (or multiple countries, if the case may be) combine their data and come up with a rough estimate.